FORMER Liverpool star Robbie Fowler has emerged as a surprise contender to take over as manager of Northern Ireland.

The 36-year-old is currently head coach with Thai Premier League side Muangthong United, but is keen to secure a return to the UK after undertaking a series of coaching courses over the past 18 months, including a number in Ulster.

Northern Ireland striker Warren Feeney, a former team-mate of Fowler’s from his time at Cardiff City, says the Anfield legend has expressed an interest in replacing Nigel Worthington, who resigned earlier this month after an unsuccessful Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

“I’ve been speaking to Robbie and he is very keen on the Northern Ireland job,” said Feeney, currently of Plymouth Argyle.

“He’s an ambitious young manager who believes he has the ability to turn around Northern Ireland’s fortunes and he’ll be applying.

“He’s doing well in Thailand but sees the Northern Ireland job as a wonderful opportunity.”

Fowler has enjoyed success since taking over at Muangthong in September, guiding the reigning Thai champions to victories in each of his two games in charge so far. He scored his first goal for the club in the 4-1 win over Chiangrai United on Sunday.

He is likely to face stiff competition for the vacant Northern Ireland position. Martin O’Neill has already been ruled out, but Iain Dowie, Lawrie Sanchez, Jim Magilton and Kevin Keegan, Fowler’s former boss at Manchester City, all heavily linked.

For World Cup 2014 qualification, the Green and Whites have been drawn in Group F, alongside Portugal, Russia, Israel, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.